Brings a rare combination of height and athleticism to the NFL quarterback position. Rangy, and blessed with a strong arm and good feet: very nimble as a scrambler when the need arises. When on his game he can be a very capable on-field leader who makes both smart and big plays.

Flaws:

Very streaky, and loses focus for stretches both on and off the field. May have been rushed into an NFL starting job too early in his career and needs to rein things in and improve his confidence. Maturity and leadership have been questioned at times. Doesn't get the most out of his good mobility.

Career Potential:

Highly athletic but inconsistent quarterback.

Movements & Injuries

2014

5/30/2014

Released by the New York Giants.

4/16/2014

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New York Giants to a one-year contract.

3/11/2014

Declared free agent.

2013

10/25/2013

Concussion, out.

10/06/2013

Signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Vikings to a one-year contract.

10/03/2013

Released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2009

7/31/2009

Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a five-year contract.

Career Transactions

2014

4/16/2014

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New York Giants.

2013

10/06/2013

Signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Vikings.

2009

4/25/2009

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1st round (17th overall) in 2009.

Player News

Josh Freeman trying to get career on track | 06/16/2014 1:43 PM

News

In an attempt to get his career on track, free agent QB Josh Freeman will spend this week training with ex-Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, and next week with noted quarterbacks guru Terry Shea.

Gil Brandt on Twitter

Impact

Still just 26 years old, Freeman was outlasted on the Giants' roster by Curtis Painter and Ryan Nassib this spring. Gruden is currently an ESPN analyst, while Shea frequently works with rookie quarterbacks leading up to the draft. Freeman will very likely get another look from an NFL team. Whether he realizes his full potential will be up to him. Talent has never been his problem.

Giants cut QB Josh Freeman after six weeks | 05/30/2014 4:26 PM

News

Giants released QB Josh Freeman.

Rotoworld.com

Report: Giants close to deal w/ Josh Freeman | 04/16/2014 11:50 AM

News

A source tells ESPN's Adam Caplan that the Giants should complete a deal with QB Josh Freeman over the next day or so.

Adam Caplan on Twitter

FA Josh Freeman to work out for Giants | 04/11/2014 9:34 AM

News

Free agent Josh Freeman will work out for the Giants next week.

Mike Freeman on Twitter

Impact

Freeman visited the Bears on Monday and is starting to get some play now that he's easily the top option remaining on the quarterback free-agent market. The Giants drafted Ryan Nassib in the fourth round last April and reportedly want to give him every opportunity to earn the No. 2 job behind Eli Manning. Freeman's addition would throw a wrench into those plans.

Free agent Josh Freeman visiting the Bears | 04/07/2014 5:09 PM

News

Free agent Josh Freeman visited the Bears on Monday.

Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Impact

It's Freeman's first-known visit of free agency. Although the Bears have Jay Cutler locked up as their franchise quarterback, it would be an ideal landing spot for Freeman. He'd get to work with quarterback-whisperer Marc Trestman, and have a good shot at making starts behind an injury-prone Cutler. It's surprising that it's taken Freeman this long to make a visit, but speaks to how worrisome his play was last season.

The Raiders would prefer to sign Matt Schaub if he's released, but Freeman, free agent Mike Vick, and Mark Sanchez are also on their list. Freeman played under OC Greg Olson for three seasons in Tampa and could be a fit based on his knowledge of the system. Coming off his disastrous 2013, Freeman has yet to draw any other interest on the open market.

Bair notes that the Raiders were "really interested in (Freeman) during the season." Regardless of how anyone feels about Freeman, this is one of the most logical fits in 2014 free agency. Raiders OC Greg Olson was Freeman's offensive coordinator and position coach for his first three NFL seasons, and Olson needs a quarterback. Oakland could conceivably sign Freeman and use the No. 5 overall pick on Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater, or Johnny Manziel.

As Goessling points out, Freeman's arm strength could appeal to new OC Norv Turner, but considering the same front office that signed Freeman last season is still in place, it's highly unlikely they'd want to bring him back. Freeman will probably have to settle for a one- or two-year deal with some incentives this offseason. He should be able to find a team that will allow him to compete for the starting job. Oakland has already been mentioned as a possibility.

Raiders could show interest in Josh Freeman | 02/01/2014 3:58 PM

News

ESPN Raiders blogger Paul Gutierrez expects the team to show interest in free agent Josh Freeman this offseason.

ESPN.com

Impact

Freeman was linked to the Raiders before he signed with Minnesota during the season, so it's possible they still have interest despite his disastrous finish to 2013. He has experience in OC Greg Olson's offense from their time together in Tampa and shouldn't command much guaranteed money. Gutierrez also believes Oakland could be a landing spot for Mark Sanchez when he's released by the Jets this offseason.

Freeman late to 'numerous meetings' as Viking | 12/31/2013 7:24 PM

News

Citing four sources, USA Today reports Josh Freeman was late for "numerous meetings" during his three months with the Vikings, and was "often among the last players to the facility."

USA Today

Impact

Numerous players also told USA Today's Tom Pelissero that they were dumbfounded Freeman got the Week 7 start against the Giants because he had no clue how to run OC Bill Musgrave's offense. Freeman proceeded to turn in arguably the single worst quarterback performance of 2013, and coach Leslie Frazier never turned back to him. Freeman is now headed to free agency.

Josh Freeman open to re-signing with Vikings | 12/27/2013 6:02 PM

News

Josh Freeman insisted on Friday he would consider re-signing with the Vikings next season.

St. Paul Pioneer Press

Impact

"I definitely have interest in coming back, for sure," Freeman said. "It's a great organization, a great team." It's unlikely the Vikings would have any interest in bringing Freeman back with both Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder still under contract next season. He's been a weekly inactive since struggling in a Monday night loss to the Giants back in Week 7, but hasn't ruled out re-signing to compete for the starting job in 2014.

Josh Freeman unlikely to play for MIN again | 12/12/2013 8:10 AM

News

Coach Leslie Frazier would not commit to Josh Freeman playing in another game this season.

ESPN.com

Impact

The Vikings gave Freeman a one-year, $3 million contract back in early October. Since then, he's appeared in one game -- the Monday Night Football disaster against the Giants. The Vikings are rolling with Matt Cassel as the starter and Christian Ponder as the backup. In related news, they'll be lighting $100 bills on fire in the streets later Thursday.

Freeman has been cleared of his Week 7 concussion and is a healthy scratch. Matt Cassel will back up Christian Ponder. Cook has a hip injury, Evans is battling a knee issue, and Sanford has a balky groin.

Josh Freeman to be a healthy scratch for MIN | 11/03/2013 10:53 AM

News

Josh Freeman will be a healthy scratch in Sunday's Week 9 game at Dallas.

Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

Josh Freeman expected to start against Dallas | 10/30/2013 9:07 PM

News

ESPN's Ed Werder is "expecting" the Vikings to turn back to Josh Freeman as their Week 9 starter against the Cowboys.

Ed Werder on Twitter

Impact

Werder didn't cite a source in his tweet, but he's not the type to throw stuff against the wall and hope it sticks. He's likely got inside info. Per Werder, the Vikings "want to evaluate Freeman" after signing him to a one-year, $3 million contract on October 6, and Christian Ponder unsurprisingly "did nothing" to run with the job in last Sunday night's loss to the Packers.

Josh Freeman ruled out for Week 8 | 10/25/2013 1:46 PM

News

Josh Freeman (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 8.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Christian Ponder gets his job back for Sunday's game against the Packers, and could keep it based on performance. Now 1-5 on the year, the Vikings are likely going to end up wasting the $3 million it cost to sign Freeman on October 6.

Freeman has concussion, Ponder back in saddle | 10/23/2013 12:37 PM

News

Josh Freeman has been diagnosed with a concussion.

Vikings on Twitter

Impact

The ongoing saga of the Vikings quarterback mess takes another twist. Freeman is not expected to get cleared in time for Sunday night's game against the Packers, meaning Christian Ponder will start. Ponder was essentially benched in favor of Matt Cassel earlier this year, but has since leapfrogged back into the No. 2 role. He can't play any worse than Freeman did in a humiliating Monday night loss to the Giants (20-of-53 for 190 yards with one interceptions). Ponder did shred the Packers for 234 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in Week 17 last year.

Freeman was almost indescribably bad against the Giants Monday evening, completing just 20-of-53 passes for 190 yards (3.58 YPA) while airmailing a hard-to-believe number of throws. He left ESPN's post-game commentators speechless. Freeman's short time in the Vikings' system has been a common explanation, but that's no excuse for just how truly inaccurate the former Buc was. Freeman will be a bottom-five option against a Packers defense that made life miserable for Brandon Weeden in Week 7. Christian Ponder might be back under center before long in Minnesota.

Josh Freeman wildly inaccurate in Vikes debut | 10/22/2013 12:02 AM

News

Josh Freeman completed just 20-of-53 passes for 190 yards and one interception in Minnesota's Week 7, 23-7 loss to the Giants on Monday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Yes, you read that right. That's 33 misfires from Freeman. Making his Vikings debut 15 days after signing with the club, Freeman was wildly inaccurate to put it kindly. He had at least a dozen overthrows and a handful of other passes thrown behind his receivers. Freeman looked like a quarterback who hadn't thrown a pass in a month. It's fair to question why the Vikings even put him out there. But even they couldn't have guessed Freeman would have looked this bad. The Vikings had no chacne to win this game. They dialed up 54 pass plays to just 14 runs. That makes absolutely no sense when the best player on the planet is on the team at running back. This had the looks of a preseason game before it was over. Freeman will give it another go next week against the Packers.

Vikings name Josh Freeman starter for Week 7 | 10/16/2013 1:17 PM

News

The Vikings announced Josh Freeman will start Monday night's Week 7 game against the Giants.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The plan all along was for the Vikings to settle on a starter by Wednesday so that whoever it ended up being could gain some chemistry with the first-team offense during the practice week. It would have been a major surprise had Freeman not been named the starter. Christian Ponder will be the No. 2, while Matt Cassel will be inactive or possibly even released. Freeman will be a QB2 this week. His insertion into the lineup is a boost to everyone on offense.

Vikings trying to get Freeman ready to start | 10/16/2013 8:09 AM

News

NFL Network confirms the Vikings will start Josh Freeman this week if they're satisfied with his understanding of the playbook.

Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Impact

FOX's Jay Glazer reportedly similarly on Tuesday night. Per Ian Rapoport, the Vikings "loved [Freeman] predraft, and are impressed now." He adds that he they feel he isn't quite ready, they'll roll with Christian Ponder instead of Matt Cassel. But given the Monday night start and the desperate need to get some continuity at the position, we fully expect Freeman to get the call. On paper, his big arm will be a good weapon against teams looking to stack the box to stop Adrian Peterson. Freeman is a QB2 heading into this tasty matchup with the Giants.

Per Glazer, the Vikings' "original plan" was to ease Freeman into their offense for two games before anointing him, but Matt Cassel's pathetic Week 6 effort against the Panthers is obviously expediting things. The Vikings are 1-4 with an increasing level of urgency. Glazer reports they are "pushing to put him in this game." At this point, we expect Freeman to be Minnesota's starter against the G-Men. The teams square off on Monday Night Football.

That would allow the starter to a get a full week of first-team reps. Barring a surprise, it's going to be Josh Freeman after Matt Cassel played like ... Matt Cassel against the Panthers on Sunday. Failed franchise quarterback Christian Ponder doesn't appear to be a consideration. Freeman would be an intriguing QB2 against the Giants' swinging-gate defense.

Matt Cassel completed 32-of-44 passes for 241 yards with one garbage-time touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's embarrassing 35-10 home loss to the Panthers. The Vikings could go back to Christian Ponder, but they know he's not the answer. Perhaps it's already time to throw newly signed Freeman into the fray. "We'll take a look when we get with him this week and see where he is," Frazier said about Freeman. "We've done some things with him in this first week. We'll see."

Christian Ponder has a base salary of $1.29 million and Matt Cassel is making $1.65 million for the full year. Freeman is getting $3 million for just 10 games. ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio speculates this is a sign the ex-Buc "will be given every chance to claim the job." Cassel was tentatively expected to start Week 6 with Ponder (ribs) hurting. The Vikings likely won't tip their hand until much later in the week, but it's hard to see Freeman getting familiar with the playbook in seven days.

Minnesota agrees to terms with Josh Freeman | 10/06/2013 11:32 PM

News

Vikings agreed to terms with QB Josh Freeman, formerly of the Bucs, on a one-year contract.

Profootballtalk on Twitter

Impact

So much for the Bills "intensifying their pursuit" of the wayward signal caller. It's an odd fit for both, though whatever the money is, it was obviously right for Freeman. As for the Vikings, they're getting a quarterback who's basically on the same level as supposed starter Christian Ponder and experienced backup Matt Cassel. The roster wouldn't seem to be big enough for the three of them, though there's no immediate reason to believe the Vikes will be cutting ties with either Ponder or Cassel. Perhaps Ponder (ribs) will be sent to injured reserve, but it's unlikely. With Ponder sidelined, Cassel should start in Week 6, and be on a quick hook. Freeman isn't worth a fantasy flier outside of deeper two-quarterback leagues.

Oakland and Minnesota have been considered the frontrunners for the former Buc, but FOX's Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning that the Bills were mulling a run. To put it bluntly, Freeman is a must sign for the Bills if they have any designs on competing while E.J. Manuel (sprained LCL) is sidelined. Undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel is a disaster waiting to happen. Freeman should likely find a new home some time in the next 24 hours.

Josh Freeman wants to sign by tonight | 10/06/2013 12:44 PM

News

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports free agent Josh Freeman is hoping to sign with a team by tonight.

Jay Glazer on Twitter

Impact

Freeman wants to go somewhere he could "compete for a starting job." Per Glazer, the Raiders, Bills, 49ers, Vikings, and Packers are among the teams that have already reached out to Freeman. ESPN's Chris Mortensen indicated Sunday Oakland and Minnesota are atop Freeman's likeliest destinations.

Mort: Vikings 'intrigued' by FA Josh Freeman | 10/06/2013 10:58 AM

News

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports the Vikings are "intrigued" by free agent Josh Freeman, but have "a lot of questions."

Chris Mortensen on Twitter

Impact

The Vikings aren't the only team with "a lot of questions" about Freeman, who hasn't found a home three days after being cut by the Bucs, and has issues both off the field and on. Tentatively, Oakland and Minnesota are considered the two front-runners to sign Freeman, who should be willing to take a minimum-salary deal or close to it. His $8.6 million Bucs salary was already guaranteed.

Report: Freeman contacted by at least 10 tms | 10/06/2013 10:27 AM

News

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports free agent Josh Freeman has been contacted by "at least" ten teams and the Raiders are the most likely landing spot.

Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Impact

Freeman has a connection with Raiders OC Greg Olson; he was the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay when the Bucs drafted Freeman. The Raiders would reportedly start Freeman over Terrelle Pryor if they signed him. The 49ers have also been in contact with Freeman. They're clearly not comfortable with Colt McCoy as Colin Kaepernick's backup. Freeman could make a decision by Sunday night.

Raiders have 'definite interest' in Freeman | 10/05/2013 4:48 PM

News

The Tampa Bay Times reports the Raiders have a "definite interest" in signing free agent Josh Freeman.

Rick Stroud on Twitter

Impact

Freeman has ties to current Raiders OC Greg Olson and would be an upgrade over UDFA Matt McGloin as Terrelle Pryor's backup. Profootballtalk adds that Freeman could sign with a new team as soon as this weekend.

Freeman would be a theoretical fit for Norval Turner's vertical offense, but it appears the Browns will stick with Brandon Weeden for the time being. Aside from the Raiders, no team has dropped any hints of interest in Freeman.

The Arizona Republic reports the Cardinals have "no interest" in Josh Freeman.

Kent Somers on Twitter

Impact

The Florida Times Union reports the same about Jacksonville. Carson Palmer has gotten off to a very poor start for Arizona, but it's hard to see how Freeman would be an upgrade. Freeman would be an upgrade in Jacksonville, but the Jags are playing for next May's draft, not this season.

Saga over: Buccaneers releasing Josh Freeman | 10/03/2013 2:16 PM

News

Bucs released QB Josh Freeman.

Adam Schefter on Twitter

Impact

The Bucs predictably couldn't find a trade partner after napalming what little value their former starting quarterback had. Freeman has roughly $6.25 million remaining on his 2013 salary, which the Bucs must pay in full. Freeman's play had sunk to extreme lows before his benching - a 45.7 completion percentage, 6.07 YPA, 59.3 QB rating - but he's shown enough throughout his inconsistent career to earn a second chance in relatively short order, likely some time over the next 72 hours. Aside from the usual suspects like Jacksonville and Cleveland - who may not even want to try to upgrade at quarterback as they jockey for draft position - Minnesota, Tennessee, Oakland and the Jets are all possible landing spots. Cincinnati and Arizona could be dark-horse candidates. Wherever Freeman lands, he's highly unlikely to be installed as the immediate starter.

Report: Bucs ask Josh Freeman to skip meeting | 10/01/2013 6:18 PM

News

FOX's Jay Glazer reports that the Bucs requested benched QB Josh Freeman to not attend a team meeting Tuesday.

Jay Glazer on Twitter

Impact

Even more interestingly, Glazer reports some of Freeman's teammates "started thinking it was to get others to think he blew it off." Both the media and Freeman's teammates are seeing right through Tampa's thinly-veiled smear campaign against its former quarterback. Coach Greg Schiano appears to think he's still coaching in the Big East, and not the AFC South. Schiano's agent may want to start sending out back-channel feelers to college athletic directors.

Word surfaced Monday evening that Freeman was in stage one of the NFL's drug program, which rightfully incensed Freeman. Schiano was under suspicion for leaking information about a Bucs players-only meeting last month. Regardless of whether Schiano was behind the latest leak, he appears to be steadily losing control of his team.

Titans 'unlikely' to trade for Josh Freeman | 10/01/2013 11:58 AM

News

NFL.com's Albert Breer reports the Titans are "unlikely" to trade for Josh Freeman.

Albert Breer on Twitter

Impact

With Jake Locker (hip) expected to miss at least 4-6 weeks, Freeman could potentially be an upgrade over backup Ryan Fitzpatrick and has ties to current GM Ruston Webster. However, a deal between the sides remains doubtful. The Bucs are actively shopping Freeman ahead of the October 29 trade deadline, but may end up having to simply release him.

Report: Interest in Freeman is 'mild' | 10/01/2013 10:24 AM

News

Per ESPN's Ed Werder, interest around the league in Josh Freeman is "mild."

ESPN.com

Impact

Freeman has $6.2 million guaranteed remaining on his contract, has questionable dedication and was arguably the worst starting quarterback in the NFL through three games. We're guessing the term "mild" is an exaggeration. The Bucs are ramping up trade efforts Tuesday, leaking the fact that they'll be calling all 31 teams. Meanwhile, Freeman is pushing for his release. The trade deadline is Oct. 29.

Bucs talking to every team about Freeman deal | 10/01/2013 9:07 AM

News

A source tells ESPN's Ed Werder that the Bucs plan to reach out to every NFL team regarding a Josh Freeman trade by the end of today.

Ed Werder on Twitter

Impact

The situation in Tampa has clearly become irreparable. GM Mark Dominik is personally making the calls in an effort to get some kind of return for Freeman as soon as possible. In the end, we'd be surprised if he gets anything worthwhile. Freeman has a guaranteed contract that expires after this season and his off-field issues complicate matters. Dominik may end up having to simply release Freeman so his franchise can move forward.

Josh Freeman taking medication for ADHD | 09/30/2013 9:55 PM

News

Josh Freeman issued a statement Monday night saying he "voluntarily" entered the NFL drug program because he takes medication to treat ADHD.

Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

Impact

"I have NEVER tested positive for any illegal drugs or related substances," Freeman said. "Further, I have agreed to take, and have PASSED 46 NFL-regulated drug tests over the last year and a half. ... I have ADHD and I have been prescribed and permitted to take medication to treat this condition for the entirety of my NFL career. Well over a year ago, I took a different medication for the same condition (Ritalin rather than Adderall), and to assure everyone that the error was a one-time mistake, I agreed to be voluntarily tested in the 'NFL Program'." The confidentiality of Freeman's medical status has been violated, and he and the NFL Players Association plan to take action.

Report: Josh Freeman part of NFL drug program | 09/30/2013 7:40 PM

News

ESPN.com reports Bucs QB Josh Freeman is in stage one of the NFL's drug program.

ESPN.com

Impact

Freeman isn't one strike away from a suspension, but he is subject to random drug tests. Per Chris Mortensen's source, Freeman "has obtained a temporary use exemption for a prescription drug that normally would be on the banned list." While interesting, this really doesn't mean a whole lot. Freeman's status as a "stage one participant" doesn't even necessarily mean he tested positive for an illegal substance. There are three stages to the substance-abuse program. The medical director determines the length of stage one status.

Freeman told CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora he's open to restructuring his contract if traded; his goal is simply to get the heck out of Tampa as soon as possible. Although Freeman is a 25-year-old quarterback with some past success, his trade value is nill because his contract is guaranteed and he has off-field problems, according to virtually every reporter in the nation. The Bucs will likely end up rostering Freeman for the remainder of the season as a third-stringer behind Mike Glennon and Dan Orlovsky.

Bucs backup QB Freeman inactive for Week 4 | 09/29/2013 11:30 AM

News

Josh Freeman is inactive for Week 4 against the Cardinals.

Rotoworld.com

Bucs considering making Freeman inactive | 09/27/2013 11:38 AM

News

The Tampa Bay Times reports the Bucs are considering making Josh Freeman inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Tampa Bay Times

Impact

Freeman was demoted in favor of rookie Mike Glennon on Wednesday, but it sounds like he might not even be the No. 2 quarterback this week. If Freeman is inactive, Dan Orlovsky will serve as Glennon's backup.

Report: Josh Freeman lost Bucs' locker room | 09/26/2013 10:18 PM

News

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported at halftime of Thursday night's 49ers-Rams game that Josh Freeman had lost the Buccaneers' locker room before his post-Week 3 benching.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Per RapSheet, Bucs players were "not upset" with Freeman's benching, and already believe third-round rookie Mike Glennon is "a better leader." NFL Net's Mike Silver added that Freeman "has no trade value," despite the fact he wants out of Tampa Bay and the Bucs would "love" to deal him. The NFL's trade deadline is October 29. We remain highly skeptical any team would give up anything for Freeman because of his hefty, guaranteed base salary.

Bucs will wait for injury to deal Freeman? | 09/26/2013 10:12 AM

News

ESPN's Adam Schefter expects the Bucs to wait for an injury to strike at quarterback before trading Josh Freeman.

"They would probably take anything for him at this point," Mortensen stated. In addition to poor performance, Freeman carries a fully guaranteed $8.43 million base salary that any team would have to take on if they acquired him via trade. That's barring an in-season restructure/extension, which would seem awfully unlikely. This year's NFL trade deadline is October 29.

Report: Browns also not interested in Freeman | 09/25/2013 2:14 PM

News

Profootballtalk.com reports the Browns are also not interested in acquiring Bucs QB Josh Freeman.

Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

Impact

The Browns are going to continue to roll with Brian Hoyer and possibly Brandon Weeden if he ever gets his job back. Freeman's contract is the biggest hurdle in any possible deal. He's due $6.44 million from Week 5 through Week 17. We really can't see any team trading for Freeman. He'll be a free agent in 2014.

Not surprising. As former Rotoworld employee Chris Wesseling points out, the Jaguars are the one team with the need and cap space to swing a deal for Freeman but why would they want to trade a draft pick and take themselves out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. It wouldn't make sense. The Jaguars aren't a quarterback, especially a mediocre one like Freeman, away from being good. Freeman will likely finish the year in Tampa Bay.

Report: Bucs bench Freeman, Glennon to start | 09/25/2013 8:50 AM

News

The Bucs have benched Josh Freeman and named Mike Glennon their starter.

Freeman is completing a Tebow-esque 45.7 percent of his passes this season, but the Bucs aren't yet ready to throw rookie Mike Glennon into the fire. Freeman has posted a 2:4 TD:turnover ratio, and owns a pathetic 59.3 QB rating. Rattled and regressing, Freeman likely doesn't have much longer under center in Tampa.

Schiano claims he never considered Glennon | 09/23/2013 9:34 AM

News

Coach Greg Schiano claimed he never considered benching Josh Freeman during Sunday's ugly loss at New England.

Freeman was hurt by a host of drops and the second-half loss of Vincent Jackson (ribs), but was mostly as dreadful as the box score would indicate. He simply doesn't throw an on-the-money ball, missing far too many open receivers. Things got so bad at one point in the second half that backup Mike Glennon began to warm up, but coach Greg Schiano opted against eroding what little remains of his starting quarterback's confidence. A change is beginning to appear inevitable, however. Freeman owners in two-QB leagues would do well to clear a roster spot for Glennon.

Josh Freeman denies he will demand a trade | 09/15/2013 9:11 PM

News

In his post-game press conference, Josh Freeman denied he will seek a trade ahead of October's deadline.

Rick Stroud on Twitter

Impact

"If it's going on, I need a new camp," he said. The pronoun "it" apparently refers to trade demands, while the word "camp" apparently refers to Freeman's agent(s). Meanwhile, coach Greg Schiano also denied Freeman didn't receive a Bucs captaincy because of missed meetings. So it was a post-game press conference full of denials, less than an hour removed from New Orleans' denial of a Tampa Bay win. The Buccaneers are 0-2, and there is obvious friction between the Bucs' coach and his quarterback. The ship appears to be sinking, just two games in.

Josh Freeman has ugly outing under pressure | 09/15/2013 8:47 PM

News

Josh Freeman completed just 9-of-22 passes for 125 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's Week 2 loss to the Saints.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Muddled in controversy, a win over a quality opponent would have gone a long way toward locker room chemistry in Tampa. It didn't happen in brutal fashion. Freeman had a 73-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson called back because his tackle wasn't lined up on the line of scrimmage and the Bucs tried to run the clock out with Doug Martin. Heading into a Week 3 game at New England, Freeman appears to be regressing.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora adds that Freeman is expected to request a trade prior to Ocotber's trade deadline. Per Rapoport, Freeman's frustration comes from Schiano revealing to the media that Freeman was late to a team meeting and has "been late for things before." Dating back to last season, Freeman has completed barely over 50 percent of his passes and thrown three touchdowns and ten interceptions over his last four games. Freeman is barely on the fantasy radar. It wouldn't be a shock if third-round rookie Mike Glennon made year-one starts.

Schiano: Josh Freeman missed team meeting | 09/12/2013 2:02 PM

News

Speaking Thursday, Bucs coach Greg Schiano revealed Josh Freeman overslept and missed a team meeting last Monday, and has "been late for things before."

Rick Stroud on Twitter

Impact

It's not a good look for a player in a make-or-break year. Perhaps this sheds some light on Freeman's teammates not voting him a team captain (though the vote was reportedly disputed). With his career in a free-fall, Freeman can ill afford any more on-the-field duds or off-the-field missteps. He's a middling QB2 for fantasy purposes.

Freeman struggled mightily in Week 1 against the Jets, completing 15-of-31 throws for 210 yards, one touchdown, and a pick. The poor opener came on the heels of a poor preseason for Freeman. Unless Freeman turns it around soon, calls may begin for third-round rookie Mike Glennon. The Bucs play the Saints next.

Josh Freeman struggles as Bucs fall | 09/08/2013 6:16 PM

News

Josh Freeman completed 15-of-31 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in the Bucs' Week 1 loss to the Jets.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Freeman is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league, and there is no way around it. The Bucs know it, attempting to manage and manipulate the contract-year passer with a heavily utilized running game and high-priced defense. Freeman can have big box score games when his receivers are beating cornerbacks, but his fantasy value is completely dependent on it. He'll be a risky two-quarterback league option in Week 2 against the Saints.

Josh Freeman continues August struggles | 08/24/2013 10:02 PM

News

Josh Freeman completed 6-of-16 passes for 59 yards and rushed once for eight yards in the Bucs' third preseason game.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

He also lost a fumble. Through three exhibitions, Freeman has completed 12-of-26 throws (46.2 percent) for 101 yards (3.88 YPA) and no touchdowns. While Freeman has a big arm, he's deficient in every other area. He's a quarterback whose fantasy value is completely dependent on his wide receivers making contested downfield catches. In fantasy, Freeman is no more than a mid-range QB2.

Josh Freeman hardly playing in preseason | 08/16/2013 8:52 PM

News

Josh Freeman completed 2-of-3 passes for eight yards in the Bucs' second preseason game against the Patriots.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The Bucs promised to get rookie Mike Glennon a ton of preseason reps, and they weren't kidding. Freeman is barely playing in these exhibition games. Through two, he's at 6-of-10 passing for 42 yards with a sack taken and no touchdowns or turnovers. Look for Freeman to play quite a bit more next week.

"I think there's just a comfort level that everybody understands where Josh Freeman's going," Dominik said. "Let's focus on this season, and then, we'll go after the season's over." As we noted multiple times in the offseason, Freeman has one year left on his rookie deal at $8.43 million. The Bucs want to see him take the next step before forking over a gargantuan new contract.

Schiano: Josh Freeman is our quarterback | 07/26/2013 2:01 PM

News

Bucs coach Greg Schiano gave Josh Freeman another vote of confidence as the team opened training camp.

buccaneers.com

Impact

"Josh [Freeman] is our quarterback," Schiano said. "I talk a lot about competition and maybe that kind of got taken out of context. I'll put it on me; I shouldn't have led people that way. ... I expect big things from Josh, and more importantly Josh expects big things from Josh. I really think he'll have a good year." Schiano reiterated that he's "excited" about rookie Mike Glennon, but the Bucs' quarterback job is no longer open to competition.

"He was erratic with his accuracy," Jaws said. "He had many communication issues with his receivers. Freeman is an enigma. He has a lot of talent, but he should be a better quarterback after 56 NFL starts." According to Jaworski, only Mark Sanchez had a worse passer rating when facing pressure. Freeman looked like a top quarterback from Weeks 6-11 last season when he threw for 16 touchdowns and three interceptions, but he face-planted down the stretch.

Schiano reiterates Freeman is his quarterback | 07/01/2013 7:58 PM

News

Coach Greg Schiano said the Bucs "only have one quarterback," and "it's Josh Freeman."

NFL.com

Impact

Technically, the Bucs have four quarterbacks on the roster. But Schiano is trying to prop Freeman back up after the offseason kicked off with the coach questioning the former first-round pick's long-term outlook. "[Freeman] had a really good spring," Schiano continued. "I think it's really coming together, being in this system for a second year now. ... I'm really encouraged. ... Josh is going to have a big year." Freeman is entering a contract year, while coming off a horrific end to the 2012 season in which he threw just two touchdowns and a whopping nine interceptions over his final three contests.

Josh Freeman: Contract not a distraction | 06/21/2013 9:43 AM

News

Josh Freeman insists his contract situation is not a distraction.

Tampa Bay Times

Impact

Freeman is going into the final year of his rookie deal. "I've got stuff weighing on my mind, but very little has to do with the contract year,'' Freeman said. "Yeah, it's a big year and professionally it's the biggest year I've had from that standpoint." Freeman said he'll still be "content" if the Bucs decide to move on from him in the offseason. Coach Greg Schiano has made it sound like they will unless he takes a big step forward.

Josh Freeman, wideouts on same page | 06/18/2013 11:44 AM

News

Mike Williams says Josh Freeman wasn't on the same page with the wideouts in terms of route adjustments last season.

Tampa Tribune

Impact

The Bucs were breaking in new OC Mike Sullivan's offense. "The big problem last year was we couldn't get on the same page, knowing when to break our routes off," Williams said. Now entering their second year in the scheme, the entire organization is expecting Freeman to take a step forward in terms of efficiency. "We know this offense," Williams said. "It's a knowing instead of reacting to something."

Even though Freeman set franchise records in yards (4,065) and passing touchdowns (27) last season, head coach Greg Schiano is asking him to compete with third-round rookie Mike Glennon. The Bucs have also declined to engage in contract negotiations even though Freeman is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Sullivan is singing a different tune. "Josh Freeman is our quarterback, and he's a heck of a player," he said.

Schiano and GM Mark Dominik were attempting to claim that they haven't lost faith in Freeman, but Schiano couldn't resist putting Freeman's feet to the fire once more. "I try to tell (the media) the truth that I believe in Josh Freeman and he's our starting quarterback," Schiano said. "But I believe in competition." In the NFL, anything less than an unequivocal endorsement should be construed as a lack of faith. The Bucs are going to make Freeman work for his job, plain and simple.

Glennon pick not a threat to Freeman | 04/30/2013 11:37 AM

News

Bucs third-round pick Mike Glennon is considered more of a threat to backup Dan Orlovsky than Josh Freeman.

Pewter Report

Impact

The third-round quarterback selection confirms the Bucs' concerns about Freeman's long-term viability, but he's not entering a camp battle. Reliable Bucs website Pewter Report considers Glennon "two years away" from pushing to start and believes he must add 15 pounds to his long, lanky frame. Freeman is in a contract year, but he doesn't have much to worry about from Glennon.

Freeman says he's on same page w/ Schiano | 04/23/2013 2:33 PM

News

Josh Freeman insists he has a good relationship with coach Greg Schiano, who has said he's "not married" to Freeman as his quarterback.

Tampa Bay Times

Bucs coach Schiano still not sold on Freeman | 04/10/2013 8:38 AM

News

According to the Tampa Bay Times, just about everyone within the Bucs is on board with Josh Freeman except coach Greg Schiano.

Tampa Bay Times

Impact

Schiano joined the Bucs last season, three years after the organization used a No. 17 overall pick on Freeman. He's consistently waffled on the quarterback position in the media, saying he wants to bring in competition. However, the only "competition" the Bucs have actually signed is incumbent backup Dan Orlovsky. Even if they use a middle-round pick on a quarterback,Schiano appears content to let this be a make-or-break season for Freeman.

Buccaneers were in on Matt Cassel | 03/14/2013 11:21 PM

News

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the Buccaneers were in on Matt Cassel before he signed with the Vikings.

Albert Breer on Twitter

Impact

Perhaps it was just for a clear-cut backup role, but we'll take it as another sign of the Bucs' shaky confidence in Josh Freeman. They haven't approached him about an extension in a contract year, and coach Greg Schiano hinted at a camp competition just after the season. We wouldn't be surprised if the Bucs drafted a quarterback on the second day. They have the 43rd and 73rd picks.

Freeman's rep has 'positive' meeting with TB | 03/05/2013 5:00 PM

News

Josh Freeman's agent had a "really positive" meeting with the Bucs at the Combine.

Tampa Tribune

Impact

"They said they definitely believe in Josh, that he is their guy, that they want to reach their goals with him and that they know he is capable of doing the job and are committed to him," Freeman's rep said. It doesn't appear the sides discussed a new contract for a player going into the final year of his rookie deal. Freeman is going to be on the spot in 2013.

Immediately following the season, Schiano said Freeman does things that "frustrate" him and added that he planned to bring in competition. Now he's signing a somewhat different tune and saying those remarks were taken the wrong way. "Josh Freeman is our quarterback," Schiano said Thursday. "And I believe that Josh Freeman -- with Josh Freeman -- we'll be able to accomplish our goals." Freeman is entering the final year of his contract.

Bucs to 'increase the competition' at QB | 01/22/2013 9:39 PM

News

Bucs GM Mark Dominik says he wants to "increase the competition" at quarterback, but that it's not a greater priority than any other position.

Stephen Holder on Twitter

Impact

Dominik has made it clear he believes Josh Freeman has to be better in 2013, but he still took some positives away from his 2012. "You remind yourself that there's areas you're very excited about," Dominik said. "There are things he did this year that were as good as (Freeman's) been: Throwing the deep ball, the accuracy on some of the big plays, I thought he used his feet better this year." Dominik has singled Freeman's completion percentage - a woeful 54.8 in 2012 - as something that must improve, but it's clear Freeman is in no danger of losing his starting job. However, Freeman is all but certain to enter the final year of his rookie contract without an extension.

Bucs, Freeman not in a hurry to talk new deal | 01/14/2013 8:11 PM

News

Bucs GM Mark Dominik says he's "not in a hurry" to get a new deal done with Josh Freeman.

Tampa Bay Times

Impact

"I'm not in a hurry as general manager of the football team. I've talked to his representation. No one's in a hurry to push anything through because he wants to maximize his ability and we want to make sure with everything that's going on," said Dominik. Freeman will play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2013, then both sides will get together to determine whether to move in a different direction. Tampa Bay is expected to add a quality quarterback to at least push Freeman this offseason.

Bucs do not plan to extend Freeman's contract | 01/07/2013 9:08 AM

News

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs have no plans to extend Josh Freeman's contract this offseason.

Tampa Bay Times

Impact

Freeman will play out the 2013 season in the final year of his rookie contract. The Bucs will then determine whether to move on to another quarterback or use the franchise tag while trying to sign him to a long-term deal. Although Freeman set franchise records for yards and touchdowns in 2012, accuracy and consistency were elusive. The Bucs don't want to get stuck in a Mark Sanchez situation with guaranteed money tying their hands if Freeman doesn't improve. Coach Greg Schiano plans to add a quarterback to compete with Freeman in 2013.